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Colorado State Patrol: July and November Were Peak Months for Young Driver At-Fault Crashes in 2025


Description: Colorado State Patrol reports July and November were the peak months for at-fault crashes involving drivers ages 16–21 in 2025. CSP’s “The Sound that Saves” campaign urges young drivers to buckle up and make seat belt use a habit.

July and November were Peak Months for At-Fault Young Driver Crashes in 2025

The Sound that Saves

(COLO) – Summer shenanigans and the change of season can add challenges to our roadways for the youngest drivers. July and November 2025 were the peak months for at-fault crashes involving drivers aged 16-21, according to Colorado State Patrol investigation data. Of the 4,184 at-fault crashes by 16-21-year-olds investigated by troopers, 406 happened in November and 396 happened during the month of July.

Knowing that teens have the lowest seat belt use rate may increase your concern. "Some parents and teens falsely believe that airbags are enough to protect themselves in a crash, so seatbelts aren't as critical. But airbags were designed to work with seat belts, not replace them," explains Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. "The force of an airbag can violently push you into the vehicle's interior or another passenger."

Some of the most common injuries from airbags without a seat belt include whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, and neck and spine injuries.

Looking at the top causal factors for these at-fault crashes by 16-21-year-olds in 2025, Colorado State Patrol investigators found:

November (406 crashes)

  1. Animal Caused (73)
  2. Speeding (60)
  3. Following too closely (55)
  4. Lane Violation (54)
  5. Distracted Driving (54)

July (396)

  1. Inattentive to Driving (65)
  2. Lane Violations (60)
  3. Following too closely (59)
  4. Animal Caused (39)
  5. Impaired Driving (37)

Studies have shown that as kids get older, they are less likely to want to buckle up," stated Col. Packard. "Yet, despite what parents think, kids observe and learn from you as they age. Parents or caregivers are the top influence in whether your kids will buckle up – so set the standard and wear one."

The Colorado State Patrol is launching a multi-month "The Sound that Saves" campaign to increase seat belt awareness and use across Colorado. This campaign targets the youngest and newest drivers to close the gap between the 92% national seat belt use rate and Colorado's 90.7% seat belt use rate. Buckle Like a Boss.